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Unfortunately, you were in a car crash that left your vehicle damaged and in need of repair. You will then carefully consider the next steps and how to safely get your vehicle back on the road. So, what do you do? Understanding the next steps after a car accident can be confusing, and navigating interactions with insurance companies can be a challenging task. Insurance companies often offer a list of body shops to repair your car, but do you have to choose from the insurance company’s list of approved body shops?
No, you are not limited to the approved body shops provided by the insurance company. The law does not require that you stick to the list of repair shops supplied to you. After an accident, you have the freedom to choose which body shop takes care of your vehicle. Our California car accident lawyers can help you understand the requirements of the law and explore your legal rights after an accident, including your ability to choose who will repair the damage to your vehicle.
If you are in an accident, our lawyers are ready to assist you. We have years of experience helping our clients pursue compensation for their injuries and losses resulting from a crash. Contact our injury lawyers at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
You can select from the list provided or choose your own mechanic to repair your vehicle. However, it is essential to consider both the benefits and drawbacks of selecting your own body shop. Continue reading to learn more about your options for getting your car fixed after an accident.
Knowing what steps to take next after an accident can be confusing. We can help you understand what to consider when deciding whether to use an insurer-preferred body shop or find a mechanic on your own. Continue reading to learn more.
How Do I Choose A Body Shop To Repair My Car?
There are some important considerations to make when deciding on the repair shop that will fix your car. There are pros and cons to choosing from an insurance-approved body shop and picking your own. Still, what to consider above all else is finding quality service and good customer support. It is your car and your experience, so it’s important to choose wisely.
If you plan to choose your own body shop, conduct thorough research. Our experienced attorneys at our injury law firm have assisted clients over the years, helping them understand the key factors to consider when choosing a body shop after a car crash. If you have been involved in an accident, call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form here to schedule a free case review.
Questions To Ask Before Choosing A Body Shop
What Are The Body Shop’s Online Reviews?
Reading online reviews for any business you want to patronize is a great way to get honest feedback on how the company performs its work and whether the customer service it offers meets expectations. Although some disgruntled customers may leave dishonest reviews, sites like Google or Yelp are helpful resources that provide insight into what you can expect from a body shop.
Is A Warranty Available?
Whether you choose to use an insurance-approved body shop or if you find a repair shop on your own, one of the first questions you ask is whether the shop offers a warranty. An advantage of choosing a repair shop from the list of approved shops is that your insurance company must cover the cost of rerepairing your car if there is a problem with the initial repairs. On the other hand, if you choose to go with a non-preferred body shop, your insurer may not cover the costs of any issues that arise from the repairs.
What Parts Does The Shop Use?
It is important to know the quality of the parts that the body shop will use to repair your car. Depending on the shop, the repair people will use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, aftermarket or generic parts, or reconditioned or used parts. Aftermarket or reconditioned parts may vary in quality and durability compared to OEM parts. Additionally, OEM parts are genuine parts that come from the car manufacturer. Hence, consider choosing an auto shop that uses OEM parts for optimal compatibility.
Does The Shop Follow The Manufacturer Guidelines In Their Repairs?
The body shop you use should follow the manufacturer’s guide for repairing. Remember that using shortcuts to repair your car can result in potentially more time and money in future repair costs.
Pros Of Going With The Insurance Company’s Body Shop
Choosing a repair shop from the insurance company’s list of preferred body shops has many benefits. The proper course of action depends on your situation. The following examples illustrate the benefits of selecting an insurer-approved repair shop:
The Insurance Company Will Work Directly With The Repair Shop
Depending on the terms of your insurance policy, if you use an insurer-preferred repair shop, you may only be responsible for your deductible, with the insurance company paying the remaining approved costs directly to the shop. Repair shops that frequently work with insurers typically follow agreed-upon pricing, reducing the chance of additional out-of-pocket expenses beyond your deductible. If you choose a non-preferred shop, you may be responsible for costs that exceed the insurer’s approved amount.
You Can Save Time And Money
If you use an insured-preferred body shop, you may avoid the hassle of searching for a repair shop or obtaining multiple estimates. The insurance company and the preferred shop often coordinate directly for estimates and necessary inspections. Because there is already a relationship between the insurance company and the recommended shop, repairs may be completed more quickly than if you choose your mechanic to repair your car.
There Is Less Paperwork With An Insurer-Approved Repair Shop
Using a recommended shop may save you the time it takes to complete paperwork. If you use the insurer-preferred auto shop, the shop and your insurance company will complete the paperwork for you.
In addition to completing the paperwork for you, your insurance company will likely require the repair shop to execute its workmanship properly. If there is a problem with the auto shop’s work in the future, the shop may provide warranty coverage as outlined in their service agreement.
A Nationwide Network Of Repair Shops
Another benefit of using a body shop that the insurance company prefers is that if your car was repaired in another state and you begin to experience problems later, your insurer can quickly locate a different shop in your area to address the issue. Doing so can help eliminate the headache of having to return to the repair shop that did the work if the shop is very far from your home or located out of state. Insurance companies often collaborate with networks of mechanics, which are available in many states and at multiple locations within each state. One advantage of using a preferred body shop is that you have the shop’s mechanics and staff available if you have an issue.
Discounts
Using insurer-preferred body shops may offer additional benefits, such as complimentary minor repairs or touch-ups, depending on the shop. In some cases, insurance companies may offer a reduction in your deductible if you use a recommended repair shop; however, this depends on your specific policy and the insurer.
Rental Car Coverage
If you require a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop and the repair shop is on the insurer’s approved list, the insurance company will typically coordinate with you to provide a rental car. If repairs take longer than expected, the insurer may work with you to extend your rental agreement, subject to the terms and limits of your policy.
Cons Of Going With The Insurance Company’s Body Shop
It’s important to confirm that any repair shop you choose, whether preferred by your insurer or not, provides high-quality, efficient repairs and that your insurance covers the costs according to your policy. If you opt for an insurer-preferred body shop, be aware of both the benefits and any possible drawbacks. What follows are the more notable downsides of choosing from a list of preferred auto shops.
Unfamiliar Mechanics
A familiar face helping you repair your damaged vehicle may provide some comfort after experiencing a car accident. If you use your insurance company’s preferred shop, you may not have that established relationship. Your own mechanic may be aware of your vehicle’s history and can focus on damage from the current accident.
It is important that only accident-related repairs are billed to your insurance. If the total cost of repairs exceeds your insurance company’s authorization, you may be responsible for paying the difference, depending on your policy.
Lower Quality Repair
Insurance companies may work with repair shops that offer lower rates or approve the use of less expensive replacement parts. As a result, some repairs may use parts that differ from the original manufacturer’s components.
Business Competition
The repair shop gets its business from the insurance company. The repair shop may prioritize maintaining its relationship with the insurance company, which could potentially affect service priorities. Along with your car, the insurance company’s body shop has many other vehicles scheduled for repair before yours. If you have concerns about using a particular body shop, you can review available resources and online reviews to help make your decision.
What Should I Do If The Insurance Company Says I Must Use Their Preferred Shop?
Remember that you have the legal right to choose your shop to fix your car after an accident. The insurance company will be violating your legal rights if it refuses to pay for your repairs because you chose a repair shop that is not on its list of preferred body shops. Understanding what route to take for your car repairs can be tricky and overwhelming.
As you decide what choice to make, the attorneys at our California injury law firm are ready to help you understand your rights and legal options. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, visit our website to schedule a free initial consultation.
Reach Out To Our California Accident Attorneys
An attorney works to help advocate for your rights and represent your interests throughout the claims process. We can help you address the challenges that may arise in your case, such as low settlement offers, disputes over liability, delays, or denial of claims. Our experienced attorneys at Arash Law are dedicated to helping you pursue compensation to cover your losses, such as vehicle repairs, resulting from the crash.
If you have been in a car accident that caused damage to your vehicle, call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free case assessment.
